After much deliberation and stress and guilt, we decided to sell Kota. If we were ever to have a dog, she was the ideal dog for us and I feel bad that it just didn't work out. I like the idea of having a dog, but apparently not the actual having and cleaning up after a dog. I could not get over feeling like my house was not clean because of the dog, and it was seriously stressing me out. She was cute, smart, sweet, and loving. I did not think I was that emotionally attached, but I cried my eyes out the day we sold her. I think it's hard to not get attached to some degree when you pour so much work and effort into caring for a cute little something. I will say though, that very night after we sold her, I started steam cleaning the carpets with my sister's steam-vac and thereafter spent a full week in a blissful cleaning stupor. I figure anyone who gets a thrill out of staying up until midnight to thoroughly clean the carpet is simply not a dog person.
I do miss her a little, but mostly I feel relieved. And, mostly I feel bad for Allary. A cool mom gives her kid a puppy. An evil mom gives her kid a puppy, lets her get attached, and then takes it away. Allary has been doing a lot better than I thought she would. She was sad (and mad at me) the day we sold her, but has rarely mentioned her since. Maybe she won't need therapy after all. :)
I bought Kota a funny little Halloween costume quite a while ago. Allary was very upset that I sold her before Halloween, not giving her a chance to take the dog trick-or-treating. So, we dressed Kota up in it and took some pictures before she left. Allary was also in her costume that day because it was the day of her preschool Halloween party.
I tried to give Allary lots of time with Kota the morning before she left. I asked Allary if there was anything she wanted to do with her one last time (besides the Halloween costume). She said she wanted to take her for one more walk.
I planned it so that the family who bought her came during preschool. I thought it would be best for Allary and them that way. I didn't want them to have to walk away with the puppy with Allary crying. Turns out, they had to walk away with the puppy while
I was crying. Oh man.
These photos still rip at my heart. "Okay Allary, it's time... say goodbye."
Now, don't pass judgment on me for teaching my 5 year old the power of retail therapy. I took her to Target after preschool and told her she could pick anything she wanted. Within reason, of course, but I know her and I knew she wouldn't pick something that extravagant. Although, I felt so horrible, if she would have asked me for the moon, I would have found a way to get it for her.
This is what she picked out and she has been thrilled with it.
That's one of the cutest ballerinas I've ever seen. :)
Even with the weather being so uncooperative, I'd say she made out pretty well...
